The Top Games of 2015 (That You Should Have Played By Now)

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2015 has been a killer year for video games, and more are on the way. There were quite a few that impressed us over the last few months, and you might have been so busy with a particular favorite (like Destiny or Shovel Knight) that you could’ve easily missed them the first time around.

We’ve set up a primer of some of the best games of the year that you can easily catch up on, no matter what console you own. There’s something for everyone, from deep adventure to paint-splattering shooters to a soccer game powered by cars. Get your shopping list ready, because these are definitive additions to your library!

Rocksteady Games’ final go-around with the Dark Knight was certainly worth the wait. This game’s much larger than any of its previous efforts, giving you much more room to explore and clean up the streets of Gotham. The addition of the Batmobile is a nice touch as well, whether you prefer racing through debris, chasing after thugs, or transforming it into a super-powered tank with additional firepower. Throw in dozens of collectibles (including Catwoman-based goods and Riddler Trophies), as well as solid voicework from veterans like Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, and you have a game worthy of the Batman moniker.

No matter if you like being a kid or a squid, Splatoon offers enough variance over the routine shooter to draw in players of all ages. You play one of the Splatoon soldiers as they shoot ink all over the place, in the hopes of covering the majority of the map with as much paint as possible. But watch out – rival players will get in your way, using their own means of splattering weaponry to dominate the area. Packed with multiplayer entertainment and fun gameplay for young and old alike to enjoy, Splatoon is a mess you’ll certainly want to make.

Fans of old-school platformers would be wise to check out The Adventures of Pip, a unique old-school adventure where you play a young lad tasked with saving the kingdom from an evil sorceress. The main character has excellent transformation abilities, from an 8-bit block that can float through air to a young warrior with a powerful sword. With various levels to explore, hidden characters to find (which will then set up shop in a nearby village where you can buy goods) and superb visuals and music, you shouldn’t miss Pip.

Obsidian Entertainment has produced a number of great games over the years, including Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II and South Park: The Stick of Truth. But Pillars of Eternity stands out in its own right, an old-school role-playing adventure, where seeking souls is the name of the game as you attempt to relieve a problem involving “hollowbirth” children, which are born without souls. Featuring classic party-based tactical gameplay and a huge world just waiting to be explored, Pillars of Eternity is a must for role-playing fans. The new expansion, The White March, should further add to the adventure upon release.

CD Projekt Red’s final go-around with the infamous Geralt was initially delayed from its release earlier this year, but the wait was worth it, as Wild Hunt proves to be his greatest journey to date. With hours of various quests to complete (including Monster Hunts and, if you’re up for it, delivering justice to bands of thugs) and a superb gameplay system that combines magic with sword-swinging action, it surprises at pretty much every turn. The visuals show just how much detail the team has put into the game, so you can’t help but stop and take a good look around at the majestic beauty. Definitely put The Witcher on your list.

You thought the Dark Souls games were a challenge? You haven’t seen anything yet. Bloodborne places you in the heart of a haunted Victorian village as you take on enemies both big and small with massive weaponry. It’s far more challenging than your typical action game, although you can call upon a friend to help you in co-op, or gain better tools for the job so you stand a better chance for survival. Even then, you best have your fighting skills in tow, lest you become a stain on the ground. For those that can rise to the difficulty level, Bloodborne delivers.

The creators of the hit Dear Esther have returned in full stride with the first-person adventure game Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture. In it, you make your way into a small English town, where most of the inhabitants have mysteriously disappeared. It’s up to you to explore this seemingly quiet area, learning more about the backstory as you continue onward – and eventually learning the truth. With intriguing storytelling elements and gameplay, there’s a fairly good chance everyone will want to attend this rapture.

It’s a concept that Psyonix worked on years ago with Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket Powered Battle Cars back in 2008, but with Rocket League, the developer has ironed out the kinks and delivered an instant favorite based on a simple concept – playing soccer with cars. Featuring frantic but entertaining match-up action for up to four players per team, Rocket League is jam packed with unlockable content and tactics to take advantage of, whether it’s blasting a ball towards a goal or making a huge defensive play on the other end. It’s a lot of fun, whether you’re playing on the eSports side or goofing off with your friends. Play ball!